Posted by Jason Brumett
The Model 40 came on the scene in 1953 and was discontinued in 1974. It is chambered for the .38 Special and features a two-inch barrel, fully concealed hammer, grip safety and smooth wood grips. It was available in blue or nickel finish (by far, most are blued steel). With an MSRP of $6,500.00 this may be the most expensive handgun in our database.
Several factors made the Model 40 Centennial such a preferred revolver for concealed carry. First, it doesn't weigh much (even being made all of steel). And because the cylinder holds five rather than six rounds, as do many revolvers, the cylinder is a slim 1.3 inches wide (the widest part of the entire gun). That's pretty skinny and not a whole lot wider than some of the more modern, boxy autos.
The Centennial does have sights, although they are the most basic available on a revolver. The front sight is a rather substantial blade, while the rear sight is the typical squared cut in the top of the rear of the top strap.
The Centennial picked up a nickname along the way. It is variously referred to as the "lemon squeezer," because of the grip safety. But the grip safety on the Centennial doesn't get in the way; when you hold the Centennial in firing mode, the grip safety is automatically depressed and becomes a non-factor.
Combine the size and geometry of the Centennial and you have a package that can be pointed and shot with adequate accuracy. For example, if the shot is to be quickly, the revolver clears clothing without a snag--no exposed hammer spur or anything else to catch. As it is being brought to bear on target, the long trigger pull can begin so it goes "bang" at the precise instant the arm is extended properly.
Or, if there's a chance to aim the shot, there are two really distinctive stages to the smooth double-action trigger. The long trigger take-up can be done and the trigger held in place at a spot in the pull where there is not much spring pressure back onto the trigger finger; just a bit more pressure and slight trigger movement will set it off.
Make: Beretta Model: 1873 Renegade Short Rifle Caliber: .357 Mag, .45 Colt
In 1873, Oliver Winchester introduced his new steel-framed lever-action rifle, creating what would eventually be known as the “Gun That Won the West.†The Model 1873 w...(more)
Make: Smith & Wesson Model: M&P Compact .357 Sig. Caliber: .357 sig
Reinforced polymer chassis, superior ergonomics, ambidextrous controls, proven safety features. The new standard in reliability when your job is to serve and protect and your life ...(more)
Make: Smith & Wesson Model: SD9 VE - Low Capacity Caliber: 9mm
The new SD9 VE semi-automatic pistol, chambered in 9mm, combines value with enhanced features to deliver top-grade performance in a reliable option for home and personal protection...(more)
Make: Smith & Wesson Model: 327 TRR8 Caliber: 357 Magnum, 38 special
Performance Center guns originate from standard designs or are created from the ground up. From hand-cutting and fitting to fine tuning for precision, these firearms are top perfor...(more)
Make: Smith & Wesson Model: 686 SSR Caliber: .357 Magnum, .38 special
The stainless-steel 686 is based on the medium L-frame, one of the most popular double-action revolver frames in history. Its a lawman’s carry-gun favorite due to its combin...(more)
